Deccan in talks for low-cost airports

Deccan Aviation, which owns low-cost carrier Air Deccan, is in talks with GMR Group and the state governments of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka for constructing airports for low-cost airlines.

"We are in discussions with GMR Group to build airports for low-cost airlines," said G R Gopinath, managing director, Deccan Aviation.

He, however, clarified that the airline would not be participating financially in the development of such airports.

According to the airline's estimate a low-cost airport will cost about Rs 60 crore. Internationally, airports earmarked for low-cost carriers charge lower landing and parking charges.

Gopinath said he had approached the governments of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka to build airports for low-cost carriers in these states.

"Our officials have met the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and expressed the need for low-cost airports. A master plan to this effect has also been submitted," he said.

The Andhra Pradesh government has in principle agreed to develop three such airports in the state.

"Our request was to treat each such airport as state subject. The airports are expected to come up within a year's time," he added.

He further said that a similar proposal was mooted to the Karnataka government. The airline executives are scheduled to meet the state government officials in this regard next week.